Detonating gas generator

Abstract

A generator for oxyhydrogen gas comprises a plurality of flat metal electrodes mounted parallel with ring-like spacers between each pair of adjacent electrodes and bolts clamping the spacers and electrodes together to provide a sealed cell between each pair of electrodes within the periphery of the respective spacer. An inlet for electrolyte is connected to one outer cell and an outlet for the gas is connected to the outer cell. The electrodes are imperforate except for apertures adjacent the tops of the cells and in use a DC power source is connected across outer electrodes. The generator is of simple construction and achieves good cooling, high mechanical strength against internal explosions and ensures a minimal quantity of explosive gas in the upper regions of the cells.

I claim: 
     
       1. A detonating gas generator, comprising a plurality of flat metal electrodes mounted parallel to each other with a ring-like spacer disposed between each pair of adjacent electrodes, means for clamping the plurality of electrodes and spacers together so as to provide a sealed cell between each pair of adjacent electrodes and within the periphery of the respective spacer, and inlet connected or connectable to a source of electrolyte and formed through one outer electrode and into the respective cell, an outlet for detonating gas formed through the other outer electrode adjacent the top of the respective cell, and apertures formed in the intervening electrodes adjacent the tops of the respective cells, the intervening electrodes being otherwise imperforate at least within the cells, and the outer electrodes being connected or connectable to respective poles of a DC electrical supply. 
     
     
       2. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 1, in which the spacers comprise resilient material. 
     
     
       3. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the spacers are circular rings of equal diameters. 
     
     
       4. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 3, in which the electrodes comprise square plates of equal side lengths which, side lengths are equal to the circular ring diameters. 
     
     
       5. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said clamping means comprises a plurality of bolts spaced around the periphery of the cells, each bolt extending through all electrodes outwardly of the spacers. 
     
     
       6. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 5, in which the bolts comprise metal and further comprising insulation means for insulating the metal bolts from the individual electrodes. 
     
     
       7. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inlet is provided adjacent the bottom of its respective cell. 
     
     
       8. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the inlet is provided adjacent the top of its respective cell. 
     
     
       9. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, in which the inlet is provided intermediate the top and bottom of its respective cell. 
     
     
       10. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the electrodes are formed from sheet metal. 
     
     
       11. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 10, in which the electrodes comprise any one of iron, stainless steel and nickel. 
     
     
       12. A detonating gas generator as claimed in claim 10, in which the electrodes comprise copper plated at least over its area within the adjacent spacers. 
     
     
       13. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said apertures progressively increase in size from the electrode nearest the inlet to the electrode nearest the outlet. 
     
     
       14. A detonating gas generator as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said apertures progressively increase in number from the electrode nearest the inlet to the electrode nearest the outlet. 
     
     
       15. Apparatus comprising a detonating gas generator as claimed in any preceding claim, in combination with a reservoir for containing electrolyte, said inlet communicating with the reservoir adjacent its bottom and said outlet communicating with the reservoir adjacent its top. 
     
     
       16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, comprising a one way valve disposed in said inlet or in a tube thereto from said reservoir. 
     
     
       17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 comprising a pump disposed in a tube from said reservoir to said inlet. 
     
     
       18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a temperature sensor arranged to energise a cooling fan for said generator when the generator is above a predetermined operating temperature. 
     
     
       19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising trapping means for condensing water vapour from the gas produced by the generator. 
     
     
       20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 19, comprising a trap vessel and a constricted tube passing from the reservoir, to the trap vessel, so that the gas is suddenly reduced in pressure as it enters the trap vessel. 
     
     
       21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20, in which said tube includes a helical section for cooling. 
     
     
       22. Apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or 21, further comprising a second tube passing from the reservoir to the trap vessel to pass gas to the trap vessel, said second tube including a pressure responsive valve which closes the tube when the gas pressure in the reservoir is above a predetermined value. 
     
     
       23. A detonating gas generator or apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for reversing the polarity of the connections of the D.C. supply to the outer electrodes each time the generator is used.